Cape Chronicle
April 29, 2021 | Issue 71
Photos of the Week
Kite surfer on the beach near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. NPS Photo/Kurt Moses
Kite surfer enjoying the ocean off Cape Hatteras National Seashore. NPS Photo/Kurt Moses
Seashore Updates
  • Night driving restrictions on ocean-side beaches begin this Saturday at 9 p.m. From May 1 through July 31, priority off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps close at 9 p.m. and reopen the following morning at 6 a.m. All other designated ocean-side ORV ramps close at 9 p.m. and reopen at 7 a.m.
  • Night driving restrictions help protect nesting sea turtles.
  • Priority ORV ramps are ramps 2, 4, 25, 27, 43, 44, 48, 49, 70 and 72.
  • While night driving restrictions are in place, visitors may still park their vehicles in parking areas and walk on the beach at night.
  • Sound-side ramps, Inside Road and Pole Road do not have night driving restrictions.
  • For current beach access information, go to http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
  • Before you visit the beach, go to www.weather.gov/beach/mhx to view the daily rip current risk level and beach conditions forecast. Visitors can sign up to receive Outer Banks beach safety text messages by texting "OBXBeachConditions" to 77295.
Special Events
Public Meetings to Discuss Ocracoke Light Station Preservation Ideas
Read more about the public meetings in the Seashore's recent news release.

In-person meeting
  • Date: Thursday, May 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Berkley Barn at Berkley Manor, 58 Water Plant Rd, Ocracoke, N.C.

Virtual meeting
  • Date: Monday, May 10 from 6-7 p.m.
  • Location: Online meeting link. If you have issues with internet connectivity, use the audio only option: 202-640-1187, 38403551#
  • Attendees are encouraged to use a computer or smartphone to connect via online meeting link

Upcoming Seashore Events

Bodie Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Shaping these Barrier Islands
  • Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Meet on back patio of the Double Keepers' Quarters
  • Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to this islands.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse - Lighting the way for almost 150 years
  • Dates: Monday-Friday from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet on the back patio of the Double Keepers' Quarters
  • Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Hatteras Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - Lighting the way for over 150 years
  • Dates: Monday-Sunday (Daily) from 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
  • Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and provide information about current restoration efforts.

Shaping these Barrier Islands
  • Dates: Daily from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
  • Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.

Ocracoke Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Ocracoke Island
  • Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Meet outside visitor center
  • Description: Learn about the location and legacy of Ocracoke Island. From serving as an early port village and primary point of entry to North Carolina to Blackbeard's final battle, Ocracoke Island possesses a unique heritage resulting from its continued remote setting.

Shaping these Barrier Islands
  • Dates: Monday-Friday from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet outside visitor center
  • Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.

Upcoming Events at Fort Raleigh NHS & Wright Brothers NMEM

Fort Raleigh NHS Interpretive Programs/Activities
The Lost Colony - Walking Tour
  • Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.m. and 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet in the plaza outside the visitor center
  • Description: Delve into the history and mystery surrounding England's first attempt to establish a colony in the new world.

Wright Brothers NMEM Interpretive Programs/Activities
Wind and Sand
  • Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.m. and 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet on the back patio of the visitor center
  • Description: Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wright brothers' first powered flights.

Additional programs and activities will be added throughout the summer. Check out the park calendar on the NPS mobile app for updates.

Inclement weather may impact interpretive programming.
Website
Nature
Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Cape Chronicle e-Newsletter provides brief, timely, and newsworthy content throughout the year. For more information about America's first national seashore, visit www.nps.gov/caha.

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.